The Lovereading4Kids comment

Prize-winning Jane Smiley adds a new story which, like all the others, captures the special magic that exists between horses and their owners. Abby loves horses and loves helping her father to train the ones in his stable. But everything around her is changing. Maybe she, too, needs a change? With the horses being offered new opportunities away from home, Abby suddenly feels the need to explore the world as well. A touching story that captures the confusing emotions around growing up and changing.

Synopsis

Star Horse by Jane Smiley

Gee Whiz is a striking horse, and only part of that is because of his size. He is tall, but also graceful. He keeps his eye on things, not as if he's suspicious, but as if he's curious. Abby is curious, too, about just how little of the world she has seen compared to those around her. Her brother receives a draft notice to Vietnam, her best friends return from their boarding school, and the wise, lovable Brother Abner opens her eyes with tales of his many years spent traveling. Then, her beloved horses Jack and True Blue are both offered opportunities to broaden their horizons away from the ranch. Will she let them go, with hopes that she might one day do the same?

Following the great success of Nobody's Horse, Secret Horse and Mystery Horse,this is the fourth novel featuring Abby Lovitt and her family

Reviews

‘Wonderfully storytelling’ Hilary McKay

Praise for Jane Smiley’s previous titles:

Nobody’s Horse ‘A horse on the cover of a book will put off as many people as it attracts, which would be a shame.’ Sunday Telegraph

Secret Horse ‘There is an emotional depth and sense of moral dilemma which takes this novel beyond sentimental fodder for the pony obsessed ... Abby is a thoughtful, appealing heroine and I for one, would love to read more about her, as well as her horses.’ Books for Keeps

About the Author

Jane Smiley was born in Los Angeles and grew up in St Louis, Missouri. In 1992 she won the Pulitzer Prize for A Thousand Acres, for which she also won the National Book Critics’ Circle Award. Her books about Abby and her horses are her first for children. Star Horse is the fourth in the series.